European Union’s statement on the enactment of the Russian Law on Non-profit organisations

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Brussels (Belgium) |19 January 2006

The EU has made clear to the Russian Federation its concerns over the possible effects of
the draft law on NGOs. It has also underlined the great importance the EU attaches to
freedom of expression and association, which are of fundamental importance for a
democratic society. The EU reiterates its strong support for the legitimate and peaceful
activities of civil society. It is in Russia’s interests that civil society should be allowed to
develop freely.

The EU welcomes changes made to the draft law before its second reading, but remains
concerned that the law as it has been adopted could have a serious impact on the legitimate
activity of civil society organisations in Russia.
The EU will pay close attention to the implementation of the law when it passes into force
and expresses its expectation that it will be implemented in line with standards and
commitments undertaken in the framework of the Council of Europe and the OSCE.

The Acceding Countries Bulgaria and Romania, the Candidate Countries Turkey, Croatia*
and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia*, the Countries of the Stabilisation and
Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the
EFTA countries Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, as
well as Ukraine align themselves with this declaration.

* Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia continue to be part of the
Stabilisation and Association Process.

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